How time and place impact accident risk

On behalf of The Roberts Law Firm, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, September 20, 2017.

While it's impossible to truly predict a car accident, time of day and location play a significant role. North Carolina drivers can minimize their chance of being in an accident by being aware of risks and mitigating them.

According to statistics, many accidents happen just 25 miles from a driver's home. There are a variety of reasons for this, and many of them can be mitigated by the driver. The statistics do get a bump simply because more driving happens within this close range than anywhere else. It is also true that motorists tend to be more relaxed when driving close to home. They may let their guard down because the route and obstacles are so familiar. An accident happens because they weren't alert to the unexpected. Drivers are also less likely to wear a seat belt when driving a very short distance. Serious injuries or death can occur in an accident even at low speeds when seat belts aren't being used.

Time of day also plays a significant role in accident risk. Roads are more dangerous when more cars are on them or when it's dark. Rush hour times between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. were associated with a 16 percent increase in fatal accidents. Times between 6 p.m. and midnight were associated with a 31 percent increase in accidents. If possible, people should drive during the off times or during the day and always use headlights appropriately.

Even drivers who do all they can to mitigate risk may still end up in an accident. When car accidents do occur as a result of the negligence of another motorist, people who are injured may want to meet with an attorney to see how best to seek compensation for their losses.

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